England’s highly anticipated white-ball tour of India will kick off with a five-match T20I series, starting on January 22 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This series marks the beginning of a crucial limited-overs campaign for both teams, as they gear up for a challenging cricketing calendar ahead.
England’s white-ball tour of India begins with T20I game at Eden Gardens
The tour will be England’s first under their new white-ball head coach, Brendon McCullum, who has taken charge of the limited-overs side after revolutionizing their Test cricket. Captain Jos Buttler will lead a formidable English lineup, which includes explosive batters, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack featuring Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. India, on the other hand, will aim to assert their dominance at home with a strong squad led by Suryakumar Yadav.
The Indian side boasts a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, making them a formidable opponent on familiar turf. Eden Gardens, with its electrifying atmosphere and rich cricketing history, provides the perfect stage for the series opener. The teams will look to adapt quickly to the conditions, with dew expected to play a significant role in determining strategies during the evening game.
Top 5 key battles to watch out for in the Kolkata T20I
1. Ben Duckett vs Arshdeep Singh
The clash between Ben Duckett and Arshdeep Singh promises to be intriguing, given Duckett’s aggressive approach against the left-arm pacer’s swing and accuracy. Duckett excels in countering spin but has shown vulnerability against quality pace, particularly in the powerplay.
Arshdeep, known for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to swing the ball, will look to exploit any weakness early. The conditions at Eden Gardens, often favoring swing in the first few overs, could play into Arshdeep’s hands. Duckett, however, will aim to unsettle the bowler by stepping out or playing lofted shots. This face-off could set the tone for England’s innings if Arshdeep can dismiss Duckett early. Conversely, if Duckett manages to dominate, it could leave the Indian attack searching for answers.
2. Mohammed Shami vs Jos Buttler
A battle of experience and skill, Mohammed Shami’s disciplined seam bowling against Buttler’s explosive power is a key matchup. Buttler’s ability to take on any bowler in the powerplay will be tested by Shami’s lethal outswingers. Shami, who thrives on building pressure with consistent lines, will aim to dismiss Buttler early to disrupt England’s plans. Buttler, returning from a calf injury, has looked to play more as a pure batter and may attempt to counter Shami’s swing with aggressive intent. If Shami can get Buttler’s wicket, it would be a massive advantage for India. Nevertheless, if Buttler settles, he could make life tough for India with his wide range of strokes.
3. Suryakumar Yadav vs Jofra Archer
Suryakumar’s 360-degree batting against Archer’s raw pace and bounce promises fireworks. Archer’s comeback adds depth to England’s attack, and he will look to trouble Suryakumar with short-pitched deliveries and yorkers. Suryakumar, known for his ability to manipulate the field, thrives on pace and will aim to counter Archer with innovative shots like the scoop and ramp. The contest could be pivotal in the middle overs, with Suryakumar’s ability to accelerate potentially taking the game away from England. Archer, nonetheless, has the knack for delivering breakthroughs under pressure and will be England’s go-to bowler to neutralize India’s most dynamic batter.
4. Hardik Pandya vs Adil Rashid
Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting against Rashid’s crafty leg-spin will be a fascinating middle-overs contest. Rashid has often been England’s trump card, using his variations to stifle batters and pick up crucial wickets. Hardik, who relishes taking on spinners, will look to disrupt Rashid’s rhythm by stepping out and targeting the boundary. Rashid, however, could exploit Hardik’s occasional tendency to misjudge flighted deliveries. This matchup could determine whether India builds momentum or England regains control in the middle overs. If Rashid manages to dismiss Hardik early, it would provide England with a significant edge, but if Hardik succeeds, India could post a formidable total.
5. Liam Livingstone vs Kuldeep Yadav
Liam Livingstone’s brute force and Kuldeep Yadav’s guile with wrist-spin make for a thrilling encounter. Livingstone, known for his ability to hit sixes at will, will look to attack Kuldeep and disrupt his rhythm. Kuldeep, on the other hand, will aim to exploit Livingstone’s vulnerability against well-disguised googlies and variations in pace. This battle in the middle and death overs could dictate the flow of England’s innings. Kuldeep’s ability to induce false shots will be crucial, while Livingstone’s counterattacking approach could put pressure on the bowler. If Kuldeep manages to outfox Livingstone, it would be a game-changing moment for India, but if Livingstone dominates, England could gain a significant advantage.
by Bairstow 
(@KP24) 
(@internetumpire) 
